The Dinocafe specialises in creating dynamic, realistic sculptures, models and animatronic figures for films, television and exhibitions.
Here are some of the people you might meet at The Dinocafe.
David Gavin (left) has been a professional sculptor and model-maker for over 25 years. He is known mostly for his prosthetic work; making utterly realistic new 'parts' for people who have lost them through accident or illness. His expertise at making everything from artificial eyes to toes is used by most leading hospitals. He also creates eyes and teeth for the figures at the world famous Madame Tussaud's exhibition in London, UK.
He is also considered to be one of the world's leading authorities on the use of silicone rubber and works as a consultant to the movie industry. His 'artificial skin' and animatronic work can be seen in films such as The Fifth Element and TV series Walking with Dinosaurs and The Lost World.
A life-long fascination with dinosaurs has now led him to create a permanent dinosaur exhibition in Ireland.
Marian Gavin is the manager of The Dinocafe's superb restaurant.
Arran Gavin is the lead sculptor and projects manager for Dinocafe Ltd.
Homey does his part guarding the place.
In addition, The Dinocafe has a dedicated team of freelance artists, sculptors and writers.
John Coppinger has created all manner of creatures for film, TV and museums and exhibitions all over the world. These include characters for such films as Star Wars 6 and Star Wars 1, The Mummy and, most recently, the Harry Potter films. He was the sculptor of Jabba the Hutt for Return of the Jedi and played the Wookie Ambassador in The Phantom Menace! He was also, for several years, a senior model maker at London's famous Natural History Museum. He recently had his first novel Tertiary published. And, yes, it's got dinosaurs in it.
Nicole Klein is a painter and effects make-up designer who has worked on many TV and stage shows. Her expertise in painting three dimensional figures has helped make the exhibition so realistic.
Dawn Colgan is The Dinocafe's chief technician. It's her job to assemble all of the cast pieces into complete dinosaurs. She's quite good at jigsaws too.
Gary Pollard has a long list of film credits to his name including both Mummy films, the Harry Potter films, The Fifth Element, Neverending Story, Alien IV, Star Wars: The Phantom Menace for which he sculpted several leading characters including Yoda, The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, Dinosaurs and the front cover of Pink Floyd's Division Bell album.
Jan (Boris) Szymczuk is an freelance artist and created The Dinocafe's original website. His particular expertise is with pencils. Sometimes he even draws with them.
Steve Colgan is a writer and illustrator with a special interest in both dinosaurs and folk tales. He has designed most of the Dinocafe's information literature and merchandise and is President of the Cornish Folklore Society. His first book is due for publication thisyear.
James Murphy is a freelance artist who works regularly for The Dinocafe. He is the founder of graphics house Spud Studios and creator of the comics character August. He is currently designing toys for the 'urban vinyl' market.
The Dinocafe, Castletownroche, Marrow, Co. Cork, Ireland.
Telephone Eire (00353) (0)2226970
